Lockdown: Govt to discuss reopening of liquor shops in K'taka

Bengaluru: As there have been increase in the cases of withdrawal symptoms and suicides due to nonavailability of alcohol, the state government has deccided to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the easing of restrictions on some liquor stores and to work out the modalities to allow partial functioning of government offices in the state after April 14.

As per sources, the state Excise Department has already made a proposal to allow the sale of liquor during the remainder of the lockdown. While curbs on serving alcohol at bars and restaurants will continue, the restrictions on MSIL and CL-2 outlets could be relaxed.

However, the government will take a call on Monday, whether to allow MSIL (Mysore Sales International Ltd) outlets and CL-2 licence MRP retail stores to function.